Recess Roastings: Hoyer Hears Healthcare Opposition From His Own “Un-American” Constituents

Hoyer Hears Healthcare Opposition From His Own “Un-American” Constituents

Majority Leader Gets Skewered at Healthcare Town Hall

Hoyer Once Attacked Constituents, Labeling Them as Un-American:

“These disruptions are occurring because opponents are afraid not just of differing views — but of the facts themselves. Drowning out opposing views is simply un-American. Drowning out the facts is how we failed at this task for decades.

Health care is complex. It touches every American life. It drives our economy. People must be allowed to learn the facts.” (Steny Hoyer and Nancy Pelosi, “’Un-American’ attacks can’t derail health care debate,” USA Today, 8/10/2009)

Recess Roasting: Things Heat Up for Hoyer as He “Faces a Rowdy, Divided Crowd”:

“Nearly 1,000 people cheered, booed and foot-stomped throughout the two-hour gathering as Hoyer ran through the benefits of the Democrats’ health care plan and sought to debunk myths about the bill covering illegal immigrants, rationing care and stripping people of their current health care plans.

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The meeting, held in the gymnasium at North Point High School, had flashes of pandemonium as people shouted at Hoyer from the bleachers and then turned around to yell at each other. Others walked out in protest when they felt they couldn’t ask their questions.

“We’re not asking questions; there’s no questions being asked. It’s a setup. I came here to ask questions,” one woman grumbled as she shook her head and left the event early.

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April Burke of Mechanicsville drew cheers when she told Hoyer that she didn’t support the Democrats’ bill because she wants “the government out of our business.”

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Hoyer also defended himself against criticism over an opinion piece he penned last month with Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) in which they accused disruptive protesters at town halls of being “un-American.” (Jennifer Bender, “Hoyer Faces a Rowdy, Divided Crowd,” Roll Call, 9/01/2009)

To read the full article, click here: http://www.rollcall.com/news/38079-1.html

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